Interior Linings
The plasterboard options are increasingly varied as manufacturers produce interior wall boards with noise reduction, additional insulation, fireproof and waterproof for different applications.
No sheet lining material has a surface that is perfectly flat and totally free of minor imperfections. However, by paying careful attention to the design, the materials used, the lighting conditions and installation of the framing, linings, paint and wallpaper, small imperfections can be minimised.
Ensure framing is dry and straight. The use of thicker 13mm plasterboard with metal ceiling battens helps provide a straighter ceiling that is less likely to result in problems. Walls sheets should be fixed horizontally as a horizontal joint is less likely to be visible. To reduce the visibility of any imperfections use light colours and flat paints or textured wallpaper and avoid critical lighting - light striking a wall at a shallow angle. Use light shades or recessed downlights and position windows away from the edges of walls and ceilings or use shades.
There is a range of plasterboard options on the market with differing properties, letting you select the product best suited to your needs. Water resistant plasterboard is available to help protect against moisture damage in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Noise control plasterboard systems are available to help reduce noise transmission between rooms and between floors in two storey homes. Plasterboard is also available with special smooth paper to assist where a higher quality finish is desired.
Before you start renovating or decorating, you need to decide whether it is worth restoring old wall linings, or whether it is better to replace them with new linings. This decision will depend on the condition of your existing linings, how long the preparation work will take and whether you can achieve the quality of finish you require. In many instances, the sensible option is to remove the old linings and install new ones. This may save you hours and hours of tedious wallpaper stripping and the disappointment of a less than satisfactory result.
- There are alternatives to plasterboard, too. Wood panels, glass and fibreglass have been used and there are now bamboo sheets.
- Plastering of the joins is critical, especially in ceilings in open plan living areas – a single large ceiling is almost impossible to get completely flat but a poor job will be obvious – and bug you for years.
- Do you have the correct panels for specific rooms; e.g. waterproof in the bathroom, fire-rated in the kitchen, sound proofed in the bedrooms?
- Are they even and undamaged?
- Is the plastering even and sanded correctly
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